Tips for a n00b?

**Nishu** · 03-17-2009, 01:12 PM

My mom found a sewing machine in the trash. It works great and she had actually been using it herself. A couple months ago I mentioned that I wanted to learn to sew so when she came out to visit me during my move she brought it a long with her and left it for me.

So where do I start? Any good first projects to look at? Any good books or online videos for self teaching? I don't really have the time or money to take a class.

Thanks in advance guys!

**ladytoysdream** · 03-17-2009, 07:31 PM

Do a search online for some beginner sewing books.
Maybe amazon and ebay.
Or check out your library .

I sew a little, mostly mending though. So not going to be much
help to you with what to suggest.

Get some scrap cloth and just start practicing

**onencgirl** · 03-17-2009, 09:59 PM

I made some pillows to get myself started. They are super easy and fun to make.

**shellyrhds** · 03-17-2009, 11:31 PM

They actually have sewing for dummies patterns (maybe mccalls or simplicity makes them) that are really great for beginning sewing. I know they sell them at walmart here in the midwest. Maybe you could see about getting one of them to start out with.

Oh, and they're actually called "sewing for dummies" complete with the kid with the glasses that's on all of the "dummies" books.. didn't want you to think I was calling you a dummy!

**mauimagic** · 03-17-2009, 11:51 PM

What fun you're going to have learning to sew!!! I strongly believe in creating something from the getgo - you'll practice as you develop your skills!!

Love the idea of starting with a pillow - you'll have something of use the first first time. That's what I had some seventh graders do when I was teachiing them to sew.

Get to know your machine - if it's an old one, learn how to oil it to keep it running smoothly.

Post pictures of your creations so we can cheer you on (and get some new ideas!!) Have fun!!

**dinah** · 03-18-2009, 12:01 AM

threadbanger.com has wonderful little videos to watch. many of them are about sewing and learning to sew and learning to use a sewing machine.

**bonnotsm9** · 03-18-2009, 12:02 AM

A pillowcase is a simple and easy project. It requires just a yard of fabric. For a pattern, you can just use another pillowcase. My kids like having special pillowcases out of novelty print fabrics.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 03-18-2009, 08:10 AM

Make aprons! Some take very little cloth and are fun to make. Most patterns are very easy but yet let you pratice the basics. Watch sewing shows like Sewing with Nancy. She often has very simple things gives great instructions.
Have fun and don't worry if somethings not perfect. I don't know how many times I sewed the sleeve to the hem or forgot to turn fabric and ended up with something inside out. Laugh at it , Rip it apart and call a "DO Over!"
I'm currently working on a quilt and have had a few oopps days. Even DH is laughing. Remember you don't work for the fashion police. It should be fun or its work.

LAurie in Bradenton

**MoonMommy** · 03-18-2009, 10:16 AM

Also, I don't know if you have JoAnns store out there, but they often have sales on various pattern brands. Often you can get a pattern for $.99 or $1.99. My kids LOVE when I make them costumes and the best part is....because they are your kids, they NEVER notice the tiny mistakes. They are so excited to have something cool to wear that YOU made. It has helped with my sewing skills. Start out with something easy and work your way up.

**ladykemma2** · 03-18-2009, 10:41 AM

i would contact the local society for creative anachronism and hook up with their sewing classes. i know they are sewing historical clothing, but once someone teaches you how to drape a pattern, you will never buy another. and you will walk around a store, saying -- I can make that! I can make that!

so find someone who knows how to drape and construct, and learn from there. you have to learn to think inside out and backwards and 3D

if you are in houston i can show you.

**tervsforme** · 03-18-2009, 11:11 AM

Aprons or a pillowcase are great first projects. There are tons of free patterns on line, you can just search for them. There are also lots of sewing boards and such as well. Lots of useful information out there! Have fun! I love sewing, it's very relaxing for me!

**Debbie-cat** · 03-18-2009, 11:53 AM

I agree, there are a ton of free patterns on the web. You will find so many you want to do, you will be sewing for years!

**Spirit Deer** · 03-18-2009, 01:15 PM

Try making some simple things for summer for your little girl. Shorts with elastic waistbands are easy and a good thing to start on. Avoid knits till you get a little experience. She's little and you can pick up cheap adult-sized clothes at garage sales to make over for her so you're not spending a lot on fabrics. That way, if you make a mistake cutting or something, you're not out much. As a bonus, if you buy things that have buttons or zippers, that'll save you money too because those things can be recycled.

Save money, especially at first, by buying the larger spools of black or white thread, one of each. Then buy fabric with either white or black in the color scheme so you don't have to buy other colors.

**peanut** · 03-19-2009, 12:00 PM

You know, I'm going to break with the idea of starting in on a project right away. When I taught my girls to sew I started by having them trace patterns on paper with an unthreaded needle...just to get used to how a sewing machine handles. Then I had them sew dot-to-dot pictures to get used to pivoting with the needle down. Also straight and curved lines are two separate areas of practice you need.

Once you get used to how the machine handles, then move onto a simple project made of 100% cotton...like an apron or something. But simple is the key word... You want few seams, no fancy ruffles, etc. Just basic stuff.

I also suggest a good basic reference work such as [ame="http://www.amazon.ca/Complete-Book-Sewing-Chris-Jeffrey/dp/0789496585/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237478366&sr=1-5"]"Complete Book of Sewing"[/ame] by Chris Jeffrey.

Good luck!

**foxxyroxie** · 03-20-2009, 03:43 AM

I'd keep your eye out for patterns at your local thrift store. Many times they have lots of them packaged in plastic bags for one price.

You might also put a 'wanted ad' on your local freecycle or craigslist. Sometimes people have them in their basements, attics or storage rooms and would love to give them to someone starting out.

Good luck. I'm looking for a good used machine too, but haven't had any luck so far.